1994 Alfa Romeo 155 – Classified of the Week
March 24, 2020
Let’s not mess about. When it comes to cars from the 1990s, few are more striking or more handsome than the Alfa Romeo 155. Launched in 1993, the 155 was billed as the replacement for the 75. It was bigger, it was more aggressively styled and it was offered with more power, which brings us neatly to the car we’re looking at this week. Namely the coveted Q4 version. That means full-time all-wheel drive. Oh, and a 2.0 four-cylinder turbocharged engine. Yes. Please.
If that alone isn’t enough to whet your automotive whistle, it’s worth pointing out that the engine and running gear were liberated from the Lancia Delta Integrale, and that’s not a bad old machine to drive fast. However, the Delta can set you back north of thirty grand – this Alfa comes in at a much more reasonable twenty. Strong money for a 155, granted. But the spec is astonishing. Are we sitting comfortably? Then we’ll begin…
This Alfa Romeo 155 in particular comes from Switzerland (though if you’re wondering, all Q4 models were LHD). Now owned by an automotive photojournalist in Scotland, the car has lived a life in which it has wanted for nothing. It’s been maintained to a schedule far more intensive than even Alfa Romeo itself suggested. It’s also been very carefully and tastefully modified.
There is a Garret stage three T3 turbo, Gizmo electronic boost controller, the belts and water pump have recently been changed, then there’s a full stainless exhaust, the suspension is a custom setup from GAZ, the brakes have been upped to Brembo four-pot calipers, the car sits on Compomotive MO 17×7 rims with recent rubber and the innards are full of Recaro leather. It is, as the kids say, fit.
This isn’t your typical ‘fragile’ Italian though. The current owner has pushed this car and used it properly. It’s been out on track, it’s driven to the ring and back a couple of times and been on the rolling road. The power is around 250bhp, in case you’re wondering?
As Alfa Romeo 155s go, this has to be one of, if not, the best out there. The current owner has done everything to this car, starting with a full driveline strip-down and inspection as soon as it was bought. It’s also been through the bodyshop, where it picked up a fresh coat of paint and thorough detail. It is, as the pictures attest, truly magnificent. If you want rarity, exclusivity, but at the same time, something you can drive hard, this is the machine for you. You will not find another like this.
